Stoke City could lose Wilfried Bony to China, says Mark Hughes

Wilfried Bony has struggled since joining Stoke from Manchester City in August, scoring just twice in 10 appearances.

Wilfried Bon has a release clause in his Manchester City contract which allows him to be sold to clubs in China. REUTERS

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is facing the prospect of losing on-loan Wilfried Bony in January after it emerged the striker has a release clause in his Manchester City contract which allows him to be sold to clubs in China.

The 27-year-old Bony has struggled since joining Stoke from Manchester City in August, scoring just twice in 10 appearances.

“There is some truth to that (the clause), but I’m not too sure that will affect anything here in January,” Hughes told reporters on Friday.

“Wilf is more focused on focusing his career in the Premier League, and unless he comes in and says he has had an offer from China then we anticipate him being here.”

Right back Glen Johnson has recovered from thigh injury in time for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Watford but defender Phil Bardsley will join versatile centre back Geoff Cameron on the sidelines.